`Think Pink,' Church of the Brethren CU Encourages Members

ELGIN, Ill. - Church of the Brethren Credit Union has come up with an innovative way to woo new members. Not only will the $4.9 million credit union give new account holders a pink piggy bank, it will also make a $5 donation to Heifer International to purchase pigs - yes, the live ones. Founded in 1944, Heifer International provides cows, pigs, goats and other animals to impoverished families around the world. According to the credit union's Web site, "pink is a color used to signify good inner health for all people." Those eligible to join are members of the Church of the Brethren including employees and family members and other Brethren affiliated organizations such as colleges. Church of the Brethren CU was chartered in 1938 by the employees of the Brethren Publishing House and the General Brotherhood Board. In 1986 it merged with the Brethren Parish CU, which was established in 1941. In February 2004, it changed its name to Church of the Brethren CU and expanded its charter. Today, it serves more than 1,300 members.